Monday, May 21 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Metropolitan New York Library Council
599 11th Avenue, 8th floor
New York, NY 10036


The Reference & Instruction Meetup is seeking librarians to facilitate/model quick (10-15 minute) Lightning Talks on the behind the scenes work of running Reference well.

Running Reference - With or without slides/handouts, we are seeking to stimulate discussion on the multiple functions of steering a successful reference desk. We are seeking strategies and examples for successful Reference practice.

Possible considerations:

Staff training and professional development
     -- How do you provide reference staff with up-to-date information?
     -- What are some strategies to adequately train and transfer knowledge at the desk?

Scheduling and Staffing
     -- How is the desk staffed? What tools and strategies help to address staffing challenges?  
     -- Are highly trained students or paraprofessionals able to provide reference or just librarians?

Reference Consultations
     -- What workflows are needed to support longer one-on-one private meetings with students?    

The Reference Desk Environment
     -- What does your reference desk look like and what are some successes in furnishings that allow for optimal reference service? Hand-outs, swivel monitors, printer? A comfy couch?
     -- How do we attend to the emotional environment at the desk?

Software and Assessment
     -- How do we meaningfully assess reference both quantitatively and qualitatively?
     -- Can we tie reference to the ACRL framework?
     -- What software is used to track reference questions and how is it used by staff?


Enter your proposal details below.
Deadline for submission: Monday, May 14